The Act of Perfect Contrition
"O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, known and unknown, not only because I dread the loss of heaven and dread the pains of hell, and not only because Thou art my Creator, my Redeemer and my Sanctifier, but most of all because my sins have offended Thee, my God, Who art all good in Thyself and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance and to amend my life. Amen."
Considered the first of the two sacraments of healing, it is called the sacrament of Conversion, of forgiveness, and of absolution. We as Christians believe we have forgiveness of sins through our faith in the Holy Spirit and faith in the Church. There is no offense that the Church can not forgive no matter how serious it may be. With the exception of Jesus and Mary, we are all sinners.
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THE WISDOM OF SAINTS Put aside your hatred and animosity. Take pains to refrain from sharp words. If they escape your lips, do not be ashamed to let your lips produce the remedy, since they have caused the wounds. Pardon one another so that later on you will not remember the injury. The recollection of an injury is itself wrong. It adds to our anger, nurtures our sin and hates what is good. It is a rusty arrow and poison for the soul. It puts all virtue to flight. It is like a worm in the mind: it confuses our speech and tears to shreds our petitions to God. It is foreign to charity: it remains planted in the soul like a nail. It is wickedness that never- sleeps, sin that never fails. It is indeed daily death. From a letter by St. Francis of Paola, |
This sacrament of spiritual healing is for reconciliation and the forgiveness of serious sin. It is offered each Saturday from 5:00 - 5:20 PM or by appointment.
